Updated 11:27 am, Friday, May 9, 2014

The Cerminara family -- Linda, Greg and Chris -- own and operate White's Diner, an 80-year-old roadside eatery in Bridgeport. It is one of the many classic diners in the region.
Photo: Christian Abraham, ST

The Cerminara family -- Linda, Greg and Chris -- own and operate White's Diner, an 80-year-old roadside eatery in Bridgeport. It is one of the many classic diners in the region.
Photo: Christian Abraham, ST

When White's Diner first opened its doors in 1935, Bridgeport was a thriving industrial center with more than 500 factories. Though the landscape of the city has changed, the diner, with its classic charm and vintage detail, has stayed pretty much the same. The unassuming roadside eatery has grown into an historic and cultural institution — a place frequented by families, politicians and even the occasional movie star. (Al Pacino filmed a scene from "Righteous Kill" here.) But it's more than mere tradition that's luring customers to this Italian-style diner. The food and service are excellent, too.

The place: White's Diner, 280 Boston Ave., Bridgeport.

The vibe: Stepping into White's makes you nostalgic for the Italian grandparents you never had. Immediately, you're welcomed by the warm and friendly staff, some of whom have been working there since the Ford administration. Long wooden countertops fronted by maroon-colored swivel-stools face the kitchen, where you're likely to find Greg Cerminara, the diner's affable owner. About a dozen booths line large windows facing Boston Avenue. Each booth is decorated with nostalgic black-and-white photos from Bridgeport's past -- a sign of Cerminara's hometown pride. Overhead pink and yellow neon lights complete the diner's classic feel.

The crowd: Day-tripping families coming from nearby Beardsley Zoo or after-school hockey games, workers from Bayview Shopping Center, located directly across the street, and old-school Bridgeport residents for whom White's is a home away from home.

Best seat: The first booth on the right-hand side of the entrance. (It's decorated with a vintage 1950 photo of Cilco Terminal, "a large seaport for sea-going vessels on Seaview Avenue," according to the caption.) Located between the entrance and the kitchen, it is the prime perch for observing activity in the diner. There is a back dining room for more private dining and community meetings.

Must-try breakfast dishes: Cerminara is proud of his omelettes, and it's no surprise. White's menu boasts a dozen "Specialty Omelettes," including the Farmer's Market, a three-egg omelette filled with onions, peppers, tomatoes, ham, bacon and a homemade Italian sausage ("It's called that because farmers would make breakfast with everything they had in the fridge," Cerminara said.) Though the "Specialty Omelette" selection should cover most palates, patrons can build their own with a generous list of cheeses, vegetables and meats. Cerminara's local pride also shows in his ingredients; all omelettes are made with eggs from Maybeck's Poultry Farm in Shelton.

Must-try lunch dishes: Hot open sandwiches, such as the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn, roast pork loin and the Philly steak and cheese grinder with fried onions. Cerminara adds plenty of "Italian flair" to the menu, including mixed seafood over linguine with homemade tomato sauce. "Most diners are owned by Greeks," he said. "I'm the only one who's Italian."

Bonus: A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, Cerminara offers a free meal to fellow veterans on the last day of every month. Seniors also get 15 percent off their checks every Wednesday.